many thanks for a promt reply, your information is very intresting. The difference with your reply is that my xsara is not overheating but the overheat lamp is coming on which I asume that this then brings on the stop lamp followed by the audible warning.As I said the temp gauge is reading only 92oC to 95oC when the temp overheat lamp comes on, which is just a small amount over normal.I have changed the temp gauge sensor which I thought also housed the overheat lamp, but now not sure as the haynes manual I was using for referance only goes up to the year 2000, and my car is a 2001 model. again any help is greatfully receved!!!!